Does an apple-a-day really keep the doctor away?

Leeanna McKamey, SNAP-Ed Program Assistant

OSU Extension/Highland County

 

As more is learned about nutrition, it seems there may be a lot of truth in this old saying.  An apple is a good source of fiber, and provides vitamin C, several B vitamins, as well as potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorous.

Great Ways to Enjoy Apples

  1. Add chopped apples to pancakes or waffle batter
  2. Add chopped apples to chicken or tuna salad.
  3. Dip apples wedges in low fat vanilla yogurt or peanut butter.
  4. Add grated apple to any bread recipe.
  5. Substitute apple slices for jelly on peanut butter sandwiches.
  6. Mix apple chunks to cereal or oatmeal.
  7. Freeze apple juice for a naturally sweet juice pop.
  8. Add apple slices to your salad.
  9. Freeze individual serving boxes of apple juice and put in a lunch bag to keep other food cool. The juice will thaw by lunchtime.

Microwave Baked Apples

Makes: 4 servings

Here is a sweet apple treat that you can prepare in minutes in the microwave.

 

Ingredients

4 apple (large, baking)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

 

Directions

  1. Wash apples and remove core.
  2. Cut a thin slice o bottom of each apple to form a flat surface. Place apples in a microwave safe baking dish.
  3. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small dish. Spoon mixture into center of apples.
  4. Cover wax paper and microwave on high power 6 to 10 minutes or until apples are so.

 

Notes

One pound apples = 3 medium = 3 cups sliced. This is good information to know at the grocery store.

Favorite varieties of apples for baking are Jonathan, Granny Smith, Braeburn and Golden Delicious.

Any tart apple works well.

Arrange the apples around the outside edge of the dish for more even cooking in the microwave.

Safety Tips: Wash the apples in clear running water before coring. If you have apples le, keep in the

fridge for a handy snack later on.

 

For more recipes, go to celebrateyourplate.org